Fellow H.O.G. members, Greetings! We got a wild ride that will take us to Tomahawk, Wisconsin, pass over the Grand Canyon and stop by the road in Littleton, Colorado. Slap on the lid and let it fly! We're outta here...

Tomahawk, Wisconsin is home of the Motor Companies Fiberglass Division. The factory makes the saddlebags, wind shields, fairings, and just recently, sidecars. The factory employs 234 workers and 20 to 30 engineers in its operation. The plant is located 42 miles north of Wausau on Hwy. 51.

Located in the sleepy little town of Tomahawk. Population 3500, the factory sits just off the main drag on Somo street, or Route 86. The plant manufactures just about all of the fiberglass parts on your bike. While plant officials declined to give me specific numbers, the annual production of 100,000 touring models each have two saddlebags, a wind shield and a fairing. You do the math. Also, the new line of "Street Stalker" accessories is made at this location.

The new side car division has its own smaller building located just north of town. I was denied access to the facility even though I showed my #1277 I.D. and dropped Phil's name. The burley security lady was not impressed and escorted me out. I could see from the road several stacks of sidecars.

The town has very limited amenities for the traveler, however the people are extremely friendly, the town clean and the area beautiful. While at the plant, several workers noticed my Muncie T-shirt and told me that they were backing the Pacers, now that the Bucks were out of the playoff picture. Official plant tours run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, just watch out for that burley security lady.

The man did it! May 20, 1999 "Kaptin" ROBBY KNIEVEL, did what has never been done, he jumped the Grand Canyon on his motorcycle setting a new distance record. The jump, 228 feet, brings his total records held to 18. The jump, shown live on FOX TV, was difficult and dangerous due to the high cross winds that gusted 20-30 miles an hour. His landing was less than perfect, however. The landing ramp ended at the edge of the desert and the rough ground jolted him off his bike at about eighty miles an hour. At 37 years of age and in tough physical condition he survived with minor bruises and a New World record. This accomplishment peaks a career of living in his father's shadow and forever gives him the title of "World's Greatest Stuntman" that he richly deserves.

When I interviewed him in August of 1997, he told me that this was the jump he dreamed of making since he was 12 years old. He went on to say that because of the negative publicity his father received at the hands of the media from the disaster of the Snake River Jump (Evel's last jump) he wanted this feat to finally set the record straight on his father and the Knievel Family.

Evel's pride showed through when asked by the press about Robbie's jump. He said I'm not the world's greatest stuntman. I'm the father of the world's greatest stuntman."

Robbie, who makes about twenty jumps a year, is taking the summer off to spend time with his three daughters. What's he going to do? Go fishing.

I was looking through the endless supply of motorcycle magazines I receive monthly and one just happened to catch my eye. There, on page one with large print and photos, was Peter Fonda sitting on his bike with the caption. "You now can own the real Captain America leather jacket and helmet". The ad went on to say that for $500.00 you can purchase an exact replica jacket and a Snell approved Stars and Stripes helmet. The text related how these items would bring the freedom of the open road in a "gentler time" back to life.

Gentler time? I lived in the 60's. I remember exactly about the 60's, Vietnam, protests about Vietnam, the draft (my number was 13). Love-ins, Peace Symbols, Woodstock, long hair (what happened to mine?) bell bottoms, the words Hippie and Yippie, doctors who smoked cigarettes, the Feminist Movement, Boone's Farm Apple Wine, and the start of the word "Cool".

I also remember the greatness about our times and heroes' back then, Neil Armstrong, John Wayne, John Kennedy, our P.O.W.s and the pride of being Americans. We knew we were the best and were proud of it.

Motorcycling was in its infancy. The hottest bikes on the planet were the Honda Fours and the Kaw 900's. Choppers made their appearance and the words "high rise" took on a whole new meaning. The shocking crime of the century also appeared. Does the name Manson ring a bell?

Gentler time? I don't think so. Safer time, maybe. At least when we went to school we knew we would be coming home that night. Heroes today, how many can you name? Sports stars don't count.

The events we witnessed on TV the last few months concerning our schools and our kids have been sickening. What can we do about it? My answer is motorcycles. Youth today, just like in the 60's, are drawn to the noise and chrome of the steel beast. The image of the Hell's Angel is gone and has been replaced with the "cool" of being a motorcyclist. The average biker now has a good job, a family, and is drug free. That's the remedy. Let the bike attract the kids and then let your positive response to their questions and/or comments motivate them to get involved in our sport. To be a biker in today's world is to be responsible, proud and skillful.

In Littleton, Colorado and elsewhere, the sad events cannot be reversed. But they can be changed. The next time a kid comes up to you and starts looking at your bike, make a difference in his or her life. Talk to them.

PEACE